John Walton John Walton

IT’S THE STUFF of most kids’ dreams.

Scoring the winner for Ireland in the closing minutes and sending your country into a mood of ecstasy.

For Robbie Brady, that was last night’s reality, with his 85th minute header against Italy sending the Republic of Ireland into the knockout stages of the European Championships for the first time in the country’s history.

Not a bad Wednesday night all round.

“He made his dream a reality last night,” Robbie’s mother Maria told RTÉ Drivetime this afternoon.

I’m the proudest mother in Ireland today.

Maria sounded like the most emotional person you could imagine in her interview, and who can blame her.

“I watched it at home with my two daughters and neighbours and friends, and when we won we went out to the garden and just started banging pots and pans until the neighbours gathered around,” she said.

Chris Radburn Chris Radburn

I’m overwhelmed, my adrenaline is running too much, I’m seeing every emotion under the sun at the minute.

I’m just in awe of what’s happening, I saw Robbie running from his position, and when he put the ball in it was just unbelievable, and then he ran to Kerrie, his girlfriend, and the baby.

Robbie is one of seven children and five brothers, born and raised in Baldoyle in north Dublin.

His father Shay and three of his brothers were present in Lille to see Robbie’s moment of glory.

“I honestly can’t believe this is happening,” said Maria, who didn’t even see Robbie running to his girlfriend and his brother at the end of the game “because we were jumping around and singing songs”.

Her pride at Robbie sticking with his dream of becoming a professional footballer is clear to see.

“He’s achieved his goal, there have been good times and hard times but he stuck with it and it was worth it. Robbie fought it out as hard and all as it was. I’m just so proud and so happy,” she said.

I can’t thank the country enough for being so behind us, I’m so emotional.

Robbie’s family will return from France tonight, which will lead to “quite a party” in Maria’s words.

While talking, some friends pulled the wool over her eyes by suggesting that the Pope had decreed that 22 June should be declared Robbie’s day.

“They’re joking that he should be declared a saint,” she said.

There might be more public approval for that than you might think Maria. 
https://soundcloud.com/rte-radio-1/drivetime-maria-brady-robbies-mum

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